Our economy benefits from restoring the Everglades

January 2, 2011

Recent articles have announced more federal support for restoring the Everglades, specifically adding 5.5 miles to the raising of Tamiami Trail by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Restoring the flow of water into the Everglades is critical to wildlife such as wood storks and the Roseate Spoonbills, but it is also critical to recharging the drinking water resources of South Florida and holding back the tide of climate change.

Our economy will also benefit immediately, creating engineering and construction jobs, and long-term with recent studies showing a minimum 4-to-1 return on investment.

Secretary Salazar and 300-plus participants will gather for the 2011 Everglades Coalition Conference, January 6-9 at the Hyatt Regency in Weston. Large plenary and smaller breakout sessions will focus on all topics Everglades.